Mainz comeback stuns UEFA Conference League rivals Fiorentina
Substitute Jae-Sung Lee struck deep into stoppage time to complete a dramatic comeback as Mainz overturned a one-goal deficit to defeat Fiorentina 2-1, maintaining their perfect record in this season’s UEFA Conference League with three straight wins.
Match Summary
- 0–1 Sohm (assist: Piccoli) 16'
- 1–1 Hollerbach 68' (assist: Lee)
- 2–1 Lee 90'+5 (assist: Sano)
First Half
Mainz, buoyed by earlier victories over Omonia Nicosia and Zrinjski Mostar, started on the front foot. Despite their dominance, a misplaced pass from Danny Costa led to a swift Fiorentina counter, finished clinically by Simon Sohm. Goalkeeper Robin Zentner later denied Roberto Piccoli from doubling the lead, while Kacper Potulski made a crucial tackle to keep Mainz within touching distance just before halftime.
Second Half
Early after the break, Piccoli missed a good chance that could have given Fiorentina breathing space. Mainz then responded as substitute Benedikt Hollerbach produced an impressive equalizer, finishing a quick team move he initiated himself. Fiorentina nearly regained the advantage when substitute Moise Kean headed over from close range, but Mainz’s persistence paid off late.
Late Drama and Victory
With seconds remaining, Kaishu Sano delivered a perfect cross that Lee Jae-Sung met with a decisive header in the fifth minute of added time, sealing a memorable 2-1 win for the German side.
"Lady Luck was clearly shining on the home side, who snatched all three points when Lee headed in fellow sub Kaishu Sano's cross in the fifth minute of added time."
Next Fixture
Mainz will visit Universitatea Craiova in Romania for their next European match on 27 November.
Author’s summary
Mainz overturned Fiorentina’s lead with determination, sealing a third consecutive UEFA Conference League victory through Jae-Sung Lee’s last-minute heroics.